System and method for processing packets in a multi-processor environment

ABSTRACT

A method for processing packets in a multi-processor environment, that includes receiving a set-up request packet for a communication session and directing the set-up request packet to a selected one of a plurality of processors. A set-up reply packet is generated at the selected one of the plurality of processors, the set-up reply packet including a virtual identifier assigned to the selected one of the plurality of processors. The set-up reply packet is transported to establish the communication session.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to the field of computercommunications and more particularly to a system and method forprocessing packets in a multi-processor environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of communications has become increasingly important in today'ssociety. One area associated with communications relates to the dataexchange between two points or nodes, such as a mobile station and aninternet protocol (IP) network, for example. Generally packets ofinformation or data are routed in a communications environment during asession of communication, with selected packets being sent to specificdestinations for suitable processing. The ability to differentiate thesepackets based on processing needs and further to accommodate varyingtypes of packets within network communications is critical in providinghigh-speed and high-quality information exchange to end usersparticipating in the communications session. Communication systems thatlack an ability to execute effective routing techniques generally sufferfrom a number of deficiencies such as bottlenecks occurring at variousparts of the network, slowed speed for an associated communicationssession, and an overall reduced bandwidth for the communication system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat a need has arisen for an improved routing and processing capabilityfor information propagating through an internet protocol (IP) networkenvironment. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,a system and method for communicating packets in a multi-processorenvironment are provided which substantially eliminate or greatly reducedisadvantages and problems of conventional routing and processingtechniques.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided amethod for communicating packets in a multi-processor environment thatincludes receiving a set-up request packet for a communication sessionand directing the set-up request packet to a selected one of a pluralityof processors. A set-up reply packet is generated at the selected one ofthe plurality of processors, the set-up reply packet including a virtualidentifier assigned to the selected one of the plurality of processors.The set-up reply packet is transported to establish the communicationsession.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the method mayfurther include receiving a data packet in the communication session andidentifying the virtual identifier in the data packet. The data packetis directed to the selected one of the plurality of processorsassociated with the virtual identifier.

Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a number oftechnical advantages. For example, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention, an information processing approach is provided thatoffers a significant reduction in the amount of memory needed fordirecting or routing information in an internet protocol network. Thisis due, in part, to the absence of packet lookup addresses that wouldotherwise be provided on each line card within the communicationssystem. The identification key feature of the present invention allows apacket of information to be appropriately identified and sent directlyto its corresponding processor. This feature of direct routing to asuitable processor also avoids unnecessary processing cycles on the linecard in order to properly direct the data to its correspondingprocessor. In addition, this feature may also effectively reducepotential bottlenecks created when a line card is flooded with packetsof data that require memory to process address management information inrouting packets of information to a specific a processor.

Some embodiments of the present invention also provide the benefit ofincreased flexibility in the maintenance or the substitution ofcomponents or devices within a communications network. Because of therouting and processing protocol implemented in the network platformelement of the present invention, the substitution, removal, orre-insertion of processors do not impact a communications sessionoccurring within the network. This stand-alone or independent feature ofthe present invention is a result of the processor assignment anddesignation, which is assisted by the processor switch card that couplesthe line cards and the feature cards. Addressing information andmanagement for the processors on the feature cards is handled in auniform and consistent manner as new components or devices areintroduced into the communications system.

Embodiments of the present invention may enjoy some, all, or none ofthese advantages. Other technical advantages may be readily apparent toone skilled in the art from the following figures, description, andclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention andfeatures and advantages thereof, reference is made to the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, whereinlike reference numerals represent like parts, in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a communication system that isoperable to execute a communication session involving a mobile stationand an internet protocol (IP) network;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a network platform element that is includedwithin the communication system; and

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a series of steps associated with amethod for communicating in an IP environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a communication system 10.Communication system 10 includes a mobile station 12, multiple basetransceiver sites 14, multiple base station controllers 16, multipledata network components 18, a pair of internet protocol (IP) networks 20a and 20 b, and multiple IP network gateways 24. These elements withincommunication system 10 cooperate in a network environment to transmit,receive, and process packets of information or data, such astransmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) packets, forexample. The data packets or information communicated throughcommunication system 10 may be voice, data, or any other type of signalcarrying information sought to be communicated between two points.

Mobile station 12 is a communications interface for an end user forcommunication with IP network 20 a. Mobile station 12 may be a cellular(or other wireless) telephone, a computer, a personal digital assistant(PDA), or any other device, component, or object capable of initiating avoice or data exchange within communication system 10. In addition toexecuting radio or processing functions to access IP network 20 athrough a radio interface, mobile station 12 may also provide aninterface to the human user, such as via a microphone, a display, or akeyboard or other terminal equipment (such as an interface to a personalcomputer, or to a facsimile machine in cases where mobile station 12 isused as a modem for example, etc.) where appropriate. An end user asreferred to in this document generally represents a person wishing toinitiate a data exchange within communication system 10. However, theend user may alternatively be a cellular component, a computer, aprogram, a database, or any other device, element, or object capable ofinitiating a voice or data exchange.

Mobile station 12 is coupled to multiple base transceiver sites 14. Basetransceiver sites 14 are each transmit and receive interface links forcommunication system 10. Base transceiver sites 14 receive informationfrom mobile station 12 in the form of data packets and communicate thedata packets or information to corresponding base station controllers16. Base station controllers 16 work in conjunction with basetransceiver sites 14 to provide a link or interface between mobilestation 12 and IP network 20 a. Base station controllers 16 communicatedata packets or information received from base transceiver sites 14 tocorresponding data network components 18.

Data network component 18 is preferably a packet control function (PCF).However, data network component 18 may alternatively be any elementcapable of routing packets of information received from base stationcontrollers 16 to IP network 20 a. Data network component 18 may beincluded within a base station, where appropriate, to provide high-speedpacket data communications between mobile station 12 and IP networks 20a and 20 b. In a particular embodiment, the PCF is operable tocommunicate with a packet data serving node (PDSN), which may beprovided in any suitable location, such as within IP network gateway 24(as described in greater detail below).

In the embodiment where data network component 18 is a PCF, IP networkgateways 24 may comprise a packet data serving node (PDSN). The PDSN mayprovide access to the internet, intranets, wireless application protocol(WAP) servers, or any other suitable platform or element for mobilestation 12, which may be utilizing any one of a number of communicationsprotocols. The PDSN may provide an access gateway for both mobilestation 12 and IP networks 20 a and 20 b. The PDSN may also provide aforeign agent support and a packet transport for virtual privatenetworking where appropriate. Additionally, the PDSN may operate toauthenticate, authorize, and provide an accounting functionality forinformation propagating through communication system 10.

In a PDSN environment, set-up packets associated with a communicationsession between mobile station 12 and IP networks 20 a and/or 20 b maybe referred to generally as A11 packets. In addition, in the PDSNenvironment, data packets associated with the communication sessionbetween mobile station 12 and IP networks 20 a and/or 20 b are referredto as A10 packets. Each of the A10 packets may comprise a genericrouting encapsulation (GRE) key. One byte of the GRE key may hold avirtual identification (virtual ID) element in accordance with theteachings of one embodiment of the present invention. Because packets ofinformation from the PCF (within data network component 18) to the PDSN(within internet protocol network gateway 24) are tunneled via a GREprotocol, the information packets may be provided with a suitable GREtunneling key or identification which holds the virtual ID element. Thevirtual ID element provides a designation to a processor capable offacilitating the communication session between mobile station 12 and IPnetworks 20 a or 20 b.

In another embodiment of the present invention, data network component18 is a serving general packet radio service (GPRS) support node (SGSN),providing a communications medium in a GPRS service network environment.Where communications system 10 is implemented in a Global System forMobile (GSM) communications environment, IP network gateways 24 eachinclude a gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) that works in conjunctionwith the SGSNs in communicating high-speed data exchanges withincommunication system 10.

GPRS represents a packet-based data bearer service for communicationservices that may be delivered as a network overlay for GSM, timedivision multiple access (TDMA) networks, and for any other type ofsuitable network or platform. GPRS generally applies packet radio andpacket switching principles to transfer data packets in an efficient waybetween GSM mobile stations and external packet data networks. Packetswitching occurs when data is split into packets that are transmittedseparately and then reassembled at a receiving end. GPRS may supportmultiple internet communication protocols, and may enable existing IP,X.25, or any other suitable applications or protocols to operate overGSM connections.

A GSM environment generally provides an all digital cellular network forcommunications system 10 using TDMA techniques for multiplexing andusing a transmission band in the range of 700–1200 MHz in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. A GSM network maygenerally provide telephony services, short messaging services, datacommunication, in circuit and/or packet mode communications, and othersuitable functions where appropriate. GSM signaling may use specificchannels and protocols with voice communications being compressed anderror correct algorithms being used.

In a GSM environment, data network component 18 includes an SGSN and IPnetwork gateway 24 includes a GGSN. Packets of information propagatingfrom the SGSN to the GGSN are tunneled via a GPRS tunneling protocol(GTP). Accordingly, the information packets may be provided with asuitable (GTP) tunneling key or ID, which holds the virtual ID elementaccording to a particular embodiment of the present invention. Thevirtual ID element provides a designation to a processor capable offacilitating the communication session between mobile station 12 and IPnetworks 20 a or 20 b.

IP networks 20 a and 20 b each represent a series of points or nodes ofinterconnected communication paths for receiving and transmittingpackets of information that propagate through communication system 10.IP networks 20 a and 20 b may be any local area network (LAN),metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), or any otherappropriate architecture or system that facilitate communications in anetwork environment. IP networks 20 a and 20 b may implement a TCP/IPcommunication language protocol in a particular embodiment of thepresent invention. IP networks 20 a and 20 b may alternatively implementany other suitable communication protocol for transmitting and receivingdata packets within communication system 10.

IP network gateway 24 is a communications interface positioned betweentwo elements, such as IP network 20 a and IP network 20 b for example.IP network gateway 24 may comprise a series of voice or data gatewaysthat receive signaling or data packets from mobile station 12.Alternatively, IP network gateway 24 may comprise networking componentsor elements operable to facilitate the communication of data packetswithin communication system 10. IP network gateway 24 includes a networkplatform element 28. Network platform element 28 provides a routing anda processing protocol for data packets communicated from data networkcomponent 18 to IP network 20 b. Network platform element 28 may be usedin a PDSN environment or a GGSN environment or with any other suitablecommunications protocol or system architecture that communicates datapackets through communication system 10.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of network platform element 28, which isincluded within communication system 10 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. Network platform 28 comprises aprocessor switch card 32, an ingress line card 34, an egress line card36, a feature card 38. Processor switch card 32 includes a switchprocessor 39 and a switching fabric 41, though each may be located ondifferent cards. These elements cooperate to provide high-speed,efficient data propagation of information through network platformelement 28. In addition, these elements may be appropriately configuredin order to provide suitable routing and processing functions tocommunication system 10. Though specifically shown and described asrespective ingress and egress units, ingress line card 34 and egressline card 36 may each have both ingress and egress capability. The usageof the terms “ingress” and “egress” has only been offered for purposesof teaching the present invention.

According to the teachings of the present invention, network platformelement 28 operates to ensure that set-up packets of a respectivecommunication session are communicated through processor switch card 32.Because of the routing and processing features of the present inventionas described herein, data packets associated with the set-up packetsmove from ingress line card 34 to a corresponding feature card 38 overswitching fabric 41 without intervention by switch processor 39 thatoperates to properly process the data packets and to communicate theprocessed data packets to egress line card 36 for communication out ofnetwork platform element 28. This provides a communication approach thatsignificantly reduces the amount of memory needed for processing orrouting of information within communication system 10. This is due tothe absence of packet look-up addresses that are otherwise provided oneach ingress line card 34 within communication system 10. This allows adata packet of information to be sent directly to suitable processorswithin one of the feature cards 38 without having to propagate throughswitch processor 39.

This direct routing to a suitable processor on one of the feature cards38 avoids unnecessary processing cycles on ingress line card 34 thatwould otherwise be necessary to direct the data to its proper processor.In addition, this routing feature reduces potential bottlenecks createdat ingress line card 34 or switch processor 39 when an abundance of datapackets are flooded at network platform element 28. This addresses oneproblem in that all packets of information that are generallycommunicated within a communication architecture and going to the sameprocessing element have the same address. This identification,designation, and further enhanced routing provides efficient directionof data packets communicated within communication system 10 despite thedata packets having the same destination address. This is a result ofthe virtual identification elements being internally mapped to one ormore physical processors within feature cards 38 as described below.

Processor switch card 32 includes a high-speed (for example 20Gigabits/second) internal switching fabric 41 that couples ingress linecard 34, feature card 38, and egress line card 36 in a particularembodiment of the present invention. Processor switch card 32 is capableof in excess of 500,000 communication sessions occurring withincommunication system 10. Switch processor 39 operates as a routingprocessor and may additionally provide suitable routing protocols, userinterface designations, network management functions, overall managementconfiguration elements, and other suitable functionalities whereappropriate to communications system 10.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention processor switchcard 32 includes a virtual identification (ID) manager 42. Virtual IDmanager 42 is a storage element operable to store, organize, update, andaccess information relating to components, such as processors on featurecards 38 for example, within network platform element 28. Virtual IDmanager 42 stores a plurality of virtual ID elements that may beidentified, looked up, or otherwise accessed by processor switch card32. Additional details related to the functionality of virtual IDmanager 42 are provided below with reference to the discussion ofingress line card 34, feature card 38, and egress line card 36.

Ingress line card 34 is a network interface element operable to receiveand transmit data packets to IP networks 20 a and 20 b. Ingress linecard 34 is coupled to feature card 38 and processor switch card 32 (viathe internal switching fabric as described above) and may communicatetherebetween in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.In a particular embodiment, ingress line card 34 includes virtualidentification (ID) table 44 that provides a reference for ingress linecard 34 to match incoming data packets with a processor within featurecard 38 that is capable of suitably processing the data packet. Networkplatform element 28 may comprises multiple line cards 34 whereappropriate, each of which may be suitably coupled to each feature card38 and/or to processor switch card 32.

Feature card 38 may include multiple processors 43 (for example, sixprocessors in a particular embodiment) that operate to process packetsof information received by network platform element 28. Feature card 38may execute or otherwise run a copy of any one of a number of suitableprotocols (such as PDSN, GGSN, or cable, for example) according to whichcommunications configuration is being implemented within communicationsystem 10. This adaptability element of feature card 38 offers thebenefit of scalability to communication system 10. Network platform 28may comprise multiple feature cards 38 where appropriate, each of whichmay include processors operable to perform suitable processing ofinformation received from ingress line card 34. In a particularembodiment of the present invention, feature card 38 may operate as afarm card in providing any number of processing functions to packetsthat are communicated within communication system 10. Alternatively,feature card 38 may include a single processor 43 operating to provide aspecific functionality or operation for data packets received fromingress line card 34.

In operation, each of the processors 43 within feature card 38 mayperform any one of a number of networking or processing functions. Whenpower is provided to communication system 10 or a boot-up signal isreceived, each of the processors 43 of feature card 38 may be executinga copy of a PDSN or a GGSN protocol. At the boot-up or initiation stage,each processor 43 queries virtual ID manager 42 within processor switchcard 32 for a virtual ID element. The virtual ID element is a numberrepresentative of a specific processor 43 on one of feature cards 38within platform element 28 that will handle the communication session.

Each processor 43 receives a unique virtual ID element generated byvirtual ID manager 42 of processor switch card 32 in response to arequest made by each processor 43 during the boot-up phase. A physicalmapping is then made between the virtual ID element number and theactual processor 43 residing on any one of a number of feature cards 38.During boot-up, this mapping information may be downloaded into ingressline card 34 and egress line card 36 via a pair of virtualidentification tables 44 and 46. With this mapping information in place,a set-up packet request enters ingress line card 34 and indicate that anew communication session is being created within communication system10. The set-up request packet moves from ingress line card 34 toprocessor switch card 32.

Switch processor 39 selects a processor 43 to handle the communicationsession associated with the set-up request packet. Once thecommunication session has been created, data packets, in the form of A10packets in a PDSN environment for example, begin entering ingress linecard 34 and are directly routed to a specific processor 43 on a featurecard 38 according to the virtual ID element number in the packet.

Each of the processors 43 within feature card 38 communicate anidentification key to data network component 18 for use in sending datapackets to a respective processor 43. The identification key includes anappropriate virtual ID element and is transported in a set-up replypacket in response to the set-up request packet. In a particularembodiment in which communication system 10 implements a PDSN protocol,each processor 43 communicates a GRE identification key to the PCFwithin data network component 18 for use in sending data packets to arespective processor 43. In the case where communication system 10implements a GGSN protocol, each processor 43 within feature card 38communicates a GTP identification key to an SGSN within data networkcomponent 18. The SGSN utilizes the GTP identification key in sendingdata packets to a respective processor 43.

Each of the processors 43 may operate in the PDSN or GGSN environments,or both, to generate this identification key that gets sent throughingress line card 34 and to data network component 18. Thus, datanetwork component 18 may use, place, or otherwise position theidentification key in sending packets to ingress line card 34 withinnetwork platform element 28. When ingress line card 34 receives the datapacket it accesses virtual identification table 44 and performs a quickidentification that links the virtual ID element in the identificationkey with the physical identification of a suitable processor 43 that thedata packet needs to be sent to on a feature card 38. In response,ingress line card 34 transmits the data packet directly to thecorresponding feature card 38 that includes the appropriate processor43.

Ingress line card 34 generally has its associated database (which may beincluded within virtual ID table 44 for example) populated or generatedby processor switch card 32. Virtual ID manager 42 of processor switchcard 32 generates a virtual ID element for each processor 43 in responseto a query generated by each of the processors 43 on start-up thatrequested a virtual ID element. Egress line card 36 may similarly haveits database (which may be included within virtual ID table 46 forexample) be populated or otherwise generated by processor switch card32.

Network platform element 28 may provide backup processors 43 to any oneof a number of feature cards 38. The backup processor 43 may operate togenerally mirror or otherwise monitor an active processor 43 withinfeature card 38 until the backup processor 43 recognizes a need toperform a takeover or to execute some type of assistance for the primaryprocessor 43 already engaged. Several processors 43 may be implementedas backups to a primary processor 43 where appropriate or,alternatively, a single backup processor 43 may be used percommunication session string or link between mobile station 12 and IPnetworks 20 a and/or 20 b.

Egress line card 36 is similar to ingress line card 34 and has beendesignated only as an egress line card for purposes of teaching thepropagation of processed data packets communicated from egress line card36 out of network platform element 28. Egress line card 36 operates toreceive and to transmit data packets propagating from feature card 38and in a particular embodiment includes virtual ID table 46 (asdescribed above). Virtual ID table 46 is similar to virtual ID table 44and operates to provide a reference for the matching of processors 43with virtual ID element numbers that are included within data packetsreceived by network platform element 28.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a series of example steps forprocessing information propagating through communications system 10 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The methodbegins at step 100 where a start-up signal is provided to one or more ofthe processors 43 included within feature card 38. Each of theprocessors 43 that receive the start-up signal respond by queryingvirtual ID manager 42 within processor switch card 32 for its respectivevirtual ID element.

At step 102, the virtual ID element is generated by virtual ID manager42. The virtual ID element represents a value that designates aprocessor 43 that will handle specific communications sessions, i.e. aphysical mapping for each processor 43 included within feature cards 38.The virtual ID element is communicated to the selected processor 43 inresponse to the query from processors 43 on feature cards 38 sent tovirtual ID manager 42. Ingress line card 34 and egress line card 36 maythen receive or otherwise download data associated with the physicalmapping for one or more of the processors 43 on feature cards 38, i.e.their respective databases are populated. This is illustrated at step104 in FIG. 3 and completes the initiating or start-up phase of theillustrated embodiment.

At step 106, a set-up packet request is received at ingress line card 34from a first IP network, such as IP network 20 a for example, from datanetwork component 18. The set-up request packet initiates acommunication session between IP network 20 a and IP network gateway 24and its network platform element 28. The set-up request packet may becommunicated from ingress line card 34 to processor switch card 32 (step108), which directs the set-up request packet to a correspondingselected processor 43 on one of the feature cards 38 (step 110).

The selected receiving processor 43 generates a set-up reply packethaving an identification key, such as a GRE key or a GTP tunneling keyfor example, to be communicated to data network component 18, which iscoupled to IP network 20 a. This is illustrated as step 112. Theidentification key includes the virtual ID element assigned to theselected receiving processor 43 as described above. At step 113, theset-up reply packet is transported to data network component 18 tocomplete the establishment of the communication session.

Data network component 18 places or otherwise positions theidentification key into a data packet associated with the communicationsession that was initiated by the set-up packet. At step 116, the datapacket is communicated from data network component 18 to a selected oneof a plurality of line cards, such as ingress line card 34 for example.At step 118, the data packet is directed by ingress line card 34 to theselected processor 43 on feature card 38 based on the virtual ID elementcontained within the data packet. The data packet is processed at theselected processor 43 at step 120. At step 122, the processed datapacket is communicated from feature card 38 to egress line card 36 forsubsequent communication to IP network 20 b. The processed data packetincludes the virtual identification element, which provides the identityof the selected processor 43 handling this communication session. Egressline card 36 may communicate the processed packet to any suitabledestination for additional processing or subsequent communication whereappropriate.

A backup processor 43 may be assigned to the communication session inthe event of a failure in the primary processor 43 handling thecommunication session. There may also be suitable backing or failoversupport for backup processor 43. Backup processor 43 may be assigned thesame or different virtual ID elements. If assigned the same virtual IDelement, virtual ID manger 42 includes an indication that the primaryprocessor 43 is the first option to handle the packet received in thecommunication session. This indication is included in the download orcommunication of virtual ID element associations provided to ingressline card 34 and egress line card 36. A packet received at ingress linecard 34, having this same virtual ID element, is directed to the primaryprocessor 43 by virtual ID table 44. In the event of a failure inprimary processor 43, its virtual ID element association is removed fromvirtual ID manager 42 and virtual ID table 44. The indication may beadjusted to show that backup processor 43 is now the first choice inhandling the communication session and all packets in the communicationsession having the same virtual ID element are now directed to backupprocessor 43. Backup processor 43 may receive all state information forthe communication session from primary processor 43 so that a smooth andtransparent transition takes place during the execution of engagingbackup processor 43. If primary processor 43 subsequently becomesoperational, it may be assigned a new virtual ID element or it may beassigned the same virtual ID element and act as a backup processor 43.

If backup processor 43 has a different virtual ID element than primaryprocessor 43, the associated different virtual ID element may beincluded in the set-up reply packet and subsequent data packets. VirtualID manager 42 may include a link between the virtual ID element andprimary processor 43 and the virtual ID element of backup processor 43.Virtual ID manager 42 may provide an active/standby relationship betweenprimary processor 43 and backup processor 43. As long as primaryprocessor 43 is operational, data packets will be sent to primaryprocessor 43 in response to its virtual ID element being containedtherein as determined by virtual ID table 44. If primary processor 43goes down or fails, the link between primary processor 43 and backupprocessor 43 ensures that data packets having the virtual ID element ofprimary processor 43 are directed to backup processor 43. If the set-upreply packet and data packets do not include the virtual ID element ofbackup processor 43, backup processor 43 may replace the virtual IDelement of primary processor 43 with its own virtual ID element in areply so that subsequent data packets received have the virtual IDelement of backup processor 43 for direct mapping coordination.

Communications system 10 may be used in a host of communicationsenvironments, such as in conjunction with a CDMA protocol (as describedabove) for example. In a CDMA environment all users of the CDMA systemuse the same carrier frequency and may transmit simultaneously. Eachuser has his own pseudo-random code word. Whenever mobile station 12using CDMA wishes to transmit, an associated system may correlate amessage signal with the code word. The receiver performs decorrelationon the received signal. For detection of the message signal, thereceiver identifies the code word used by the transmitter. Because manyusers of the CDMA system share the same frequency, CDMA systems couldbenefit from the teachings of the present invention in providing afaster processing protocol for information packets. IS-95 may use theCDMA scheme in conjunction with the present invention.

TDMA represents another protocol in which the disclosed processingapproach involving communication system 10 may be implemented. In a TDMAaccess scheme, a set of end users or multiple mobile stations 12 aremultiplexed over the time domain, i.e. user U1 uses radio frequency F1for time period T1 after which user U2 uses the same frequency F1 fortime T1 and so on. The time axis is divided into equal length timeslots. In TDMA, each user occupies a cyclically repeating time slotdefining a channel with N time slots making up a frame. In using TDMA itis possible to allocate different numbers of time slots per frame todifferent end users. Thus bandwidth can be supplied on demand todifferent users depending on user needs. GSM and the IS-54/IS-136-basedUnited States Digital Cellular (USDC) system are some of the standardsthat may use TDMA in conjunction with the present invention. Theprocessing approach of information propagating through communicationssystem 10, as discussed in FIGS. 1 through 3, may be implemented in aTDMA system in order to eliminate unnecessary signaling and redundanttunneling where appropriate.

Frequency division multiple access (FDMA) represents anothercommunications environment in which communication system 10 may beemployed. The FDMA system assigns individual frequency channels or bandsto individual users wherein all users may transmit at the same time.These channels are assigned on demand to users requesting service.During the call no other user can share the same frequency band. An FDMAchannel carries only one communications exchange, e.g. phone call, at atime. One or more mobile stations 12, which may be used in conjunctionwith an FDMA system, may implement duplexers because both thetransmitter and receiver operate at the same time. The Advanced MobilePhone Service (AMPS) and the European Total Access Communication System(ETACS) are some of the standards that may use FDMA in conjunction withthe processing approach of the present invention as disclosed in FIGS. 1through 3.

Although the present invention has been described in detail withreference to particular embodiments, it should be understood thatvarious changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made heretowithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.For example, although the present invention has been described asoperating in PDSN or GGSN environments, the present invention may beused in any communications environment that processes informationpackets. The processing protocol disclosed in the preceding figures isgenerally applicable to all communication systems in which informationpackets are routed between or through IP networks.

Additionally, although the present invention has been described withreference to communications between mobile station 12 and IP networks 20and/or 20 b, the processing protocol described herein may be implementedbetween any two components within or external to any mobile network. Thepresent invention has merely described mobile station 12 and IP networks20 a and 20 b for purposes of teaching the present invention. Thisshould not be construed to limit how or where the processing protocol ofthe present invention is implemented. Moreover, the processingconfiguration disclosed above may be implemented in conjunction with anycomponent, unit, hardware, software, object, or element involved in thecommunications process.

Numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, andmodifications may be ascertainable by one skilled in the art and it isintended that the present invention encompass all such changes,substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as fallingwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A gateway for processing packets in a multi-processor environment,comprising: a line interface operable to receive a set-up requestpacket; a switch processor operable to process the set-up requestpacket; a plurality of processors, the switch processor operable todirect the set-up request packet to a selected one of the plurality ofprocessors, the selected one of the plurality of processors operable togenerate a set-up reply packet in response to the set-up request packet,the set-up reply packet including a virtual identifier associated withthe selected one of the plurality of processors as assigned by theswitch processor, the selected one of the plurality of processorsoperable to transport the set-up reply packet through the line interfacein order to establish a communication session with the selected one ofthe plurality of processors, the line interface operable to routesubsequent packets associated with the communication session directly tothe selected one of the plurality of processors in response to thevirtual identifier without requiring initial processing by the switchprocessor wherein the switch processor includes a virtual identificationmanager, the virtual identification manager comprising one or moreassociation of one or more virtual identifiers with one or more of theplurality of processors; and wherein the switch processor is operable todesignate the associations between virtual identifiers and the pluralityof processors to the line interface.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe line interface is operable to receive an information request packetin the communication session, the information request packet includingthe virtual identifier, the line interface operable to direct theinformation request packet to the selected one of the plurality ofprocessors associated with the virtual identifier.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the selected one of the plurality of processors isoperable to generate an information reply packet in response to theinformation request packet, the information reply packet including thevirtual identifier.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: aswitching fabric operable to route packets to the plurality ofprocessors, the line interface operable to provide information packetsreceived in the communication session to the switching fabric forrouting to the selected one of the plurality of processors withoutdirectly engaging the switch processor.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the switch processor selects a backup processor in addition tothe selected one of the plurality of processors, the backup processoroperable to process the communication session in response to a failurein the selected one of the plurality of processors.
 6. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the backup processor is assigned a selected one of thevirtual identifiers.
 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the switchprocessor provides state information to the backup processor, the stateinformation associated with the communication session associated withthe selected one of the plurality of processors.
 8. The system of claim1, wherein each of the plurality of processors are operable to query theswitch processor for an associated virtual identifier uponinitialization.
 9. A method for processing packets in a gateway having amulti-processor environment, comprising: receiving a set-up requestpacket for a communication session by a line interface; initiallyprocessing the set-up request packet to determine which of a selectedone of a plurality of processors in the gateway is to handle the set-uprequest packet; generating a set-up reply packet at the selected one ofthe plurality of processors, the set-up reply packet including a virtualidentifier assigned to the selected one of the plurality of processorsby a switch processor; and transporting the set-up reply packet toestablish the communication session; directly routing in the gatewaysubsequent packets associated with the communication session to theselected one of the plurality of processors in response to the virtualidentifier without performing the initial processing wherein the switchprocessor includes a virtual identification manager, the virtualidentification manager comprising one or more associations of one ormore virtual identifiers with one or more of the plurality ofprocessors; and wherein the switch processor is operable to designatethe associations between virtual identifiers and the plurality ofprocessors to the line interface.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: receiving a data packet in the communication session;identifying the virtual identifier in the data packet; and directing thedata packet to the selected one of the plurality of processorsassociated with the virtual identifier.
 11. The method of claim 9,further comprising: assigning a backup processor for the communicationsession; and inserting a virtual identifier of the backup processor intothe set-up reply packet.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:receiving a data packet in the communication session; identifying thevirtual identifier in the data packet; determining whether the selectedone of the plurality of processors associated with the virtualidentifier is operational; and directing the data packet to the backupprocessor in response to the selected one of the plurality of processorsassociated with the virtual identifier not being operational.
 13. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising querying for an associated virtualidentifier at each of the plurality of processors upon processorinitialization.
 14. A system for processing packets in a gateway havinga multi-processor environment, comprising: means for receiving a set-uprequest packet for a communication session; means for initiallyprocessing the set-up request packet to determine which of a selectedone of a plurality of processors in the gateway is to handle the set-uprequest packet; means for generating a set-up reply packet at theselected one of the plurality of processors in response to the set-uprequest packet, the set-up reply packet including a virtual identifierassigned to the selected one of the plurality of processors; and meansfor transporting the set-up reply packet to establish the communicationsession; means for directly routing in the gateway subsequent packetsassociated with the communication session to the selected one of theplurality of processors in response to the virtual identifier withoutperforming the initial processing means for determining a virtualidentifier for each of the plurality of processors; means for receivinga data packet in the communication session; means for identifying thevirtual identifier in the data packet; and means for directing the datapacket to the selected one of the plurality of processors associatedwith the virtual identifier.
 15. The system of claim 14, furthercomprising: means for assigning a backup processor to the selected oneof the plurality of processors; means for determining an operationalstatus of the selected one of the plurality of processors; and means fordirecting the data packet to the backup processor in response to theselected one of the plurality of processors being in a non-operationalstate.
 16. The system of claim 14, further comprising means forassociating virtual identifiers with the plurality of processors.
 17. Acomputer readable medium including code for processing packets in agateway having a multi-processor environment, the code operable to:receive a set-up request packet for a communication session; direct theset-up request packet to a selected one of a plurality of processors inthe gateway; generate a set-up reply packet at the selected one of theplurality of processors, the set-up reply packet including a virtualidentifier assigned to the selected one of the plurality of processors;and transport the set-up reply packet to establish the communicationsession; directly route in the gateway subsequent packets associatedwith the communication session to the selected one of the plurality ofprocessors in response to the virtual identifier without performing theinitial processing receive a data packet in the communication session;identify the virtual identifier in the data packet; and direct the datapacket to the selected one of the plurality of processors associatedwith the virtual identifier.
 18. The computer readable medium of claim17, further operable to: assign a backup processor for the communicationsession; and insert a virtual identifier of the backup processor intothe set-up reply packet.
 19. The computer readable medium of claim 18,further operable to: receive a data packet in the communication session;identify the virtual identifier in the data packet; determine whetherthe selected one of the plurality of processors associated with thevirtual identifier is operational; and direct the data packet to thebackup processor in response to the selected one of the plurality ofprocessors associated with the virtual identifier not being operational.20. The computer readable medium of claim 17, further operable to queryfor an associated virtual identifier at each of the plurality ofprocessors upon processor initialization.